Youssouf Mulumbu in text trouble
Tuesday 31st May 2011, 12:49PM BST.
Albion star Youssouf Mulumbu has risked the wrath of his international bosses by withdrawing from the DR Congo squad by text message.
The Baggies’ player-of-the-year texted Congolese officials to report he was injured and would not join the squad for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritius on June 5.
He was due to fly from Paris to link up with the squad on Sunday.
And assistant coach Otis Ngoma has admitted officials were ‘surprised’ at Mulumbu’s withdrawal.
“We were awaiting Europe-based players at a location when the director got a message from Mulumbu informing him that he was not available to join his team-mates for the flight to Mauritius, as he was injured,” Ngoma said.
“We were surprised to hear that because according to CAF (Confederation of African Football) and FIFA rules a player should get the clearance of the national team’s doctor.”
DR Congo did not reveal the nature of Mulumbu’s injury but the withdrawal comes just two months after the Baggies midfielder returned to the international fold after more than a year of self-imposed exile.
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